Staphylococcus aureus manganese transport protein C (MntC)

Staphylococcus aureus manganese transport protein C (MntC) is a highly conserved surface-exposed component of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) manganese transporter complex in S. aureus. MntC functions as the solute-binding protein that captures extracellular manganese, facilitating its import into the bacterium, which is essential for resistance to oxidative stress (notably via manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase), survival in iron-starved or hostile host environments, and evasion of host immune responses. MntC can also bind components of the host extracellular matrix and coagulation cascade, aiding mucosal colonization and potentially contributing to virulence. Due to its conservation, expression during early infection, and role in bacterial survival, MntC is actively researched as a candidate vaccine antigen and has shown the ability to elicit protective adaptive immunity in animal models against both S. aureus and S. epidermidis. There are currently no drugs in clinical use that directly inhibit MntC, but antibody-mediated or vaccine-mediated targeting is a major area of preclinical investigation.

Other names

Manganese transport protein CMntC proteinManganese ABC transporter solute-binding protein (MntC)

Immunization with MntC or anti-MntC antibodies produces protective immune responses by facilitating opsonization and neutrophil-mediated clearance of S. aureus. Inhibition of MntC impairs manganese uptake, disrupting resistance to oxidative stress and reducing bacterial virulence.